When you collide with a big rig carrying hundreds of gallons of fuel, the outcome can be catastrophic. Fires and explosions have been known to ignite following large truck accidents. For the people involved, it can mean life-threatening burn injuries.
In the past, when someone was the victim of a severe burn injury, the prognosis was not good. Twenty-five years ago, if someone sustained burns on more than half of the body it usually was fatal. With today’s technology and medical advancements, even when the body is 90 percent covered in burns, the victim can still survive, but there is usually permanent disfigurement and scarring.
Different Degrees of Burns If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries from a Texas truck wreck or other accident, you need to understand the different degrees of burns and the severity of each. Burns are classified into different categories depending on the seriousness. First-degree burns are generally minor and only affect the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Second-degree burns impact the epidermis, as well as the layer underneath it. Third-degree burns are more destructive and not only damage the top layers of skin, but can affect the underlying tissues.
Burn Complications When the body is burned, it often reacts by swelling and blistering, which is the result of fluid loss from the impacted blood vessels. This loss in fluid can lead to shock. Burn victims sometimes require blood transfusions and extra fluids to help maintain blood pressure.
Burn victims are also at a high risk of developing life-threatening infections. Steps have to be taken to help prevent this serious complication, which is one reason many burn patients are treated at burn centers. It is estimated that nearly half of all burn victims receive their treatment at these specialized facilities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas trucking accident, you may be able to recover compensation. Contact an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711 for legal advice. Attorney Steve Lee has been helping injured victims for more than 35 years.